News

A MAN who breeched the terms of a sexual offences prevention order for the eighth time appeared before magistrates in County Durham today (Monday, February 25).

Andrew Lawson, of Tubwell Row, Darlington, admits he failed to notify police of his address on February 7.

John Garside, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court, said Lawson had been required to attend weekly appointments with the police to inform them of his living arrangements because, at the time, he had no fixed address.

The court heard how the 33-year-old had been let out of prison at the beginning of January after serving time in custody for a previous breach.

“He has breached this order seven times and this aggravates the offence,” Mr Garside said. Sam Brewster, mitigating, said Lawson had attended the two previous appointments and had tried to attend on February 7.

“He is suffering from septicaemia on his leg and his leg will have to be amputated in due course,” he said. “He had taken strong painkillers the night before causing him to sleep in.

"This then caused him to be late for a court hearing that he also had to attend that morning.